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On Monday we put the question to her Democratic colleague from Salem (U.S. Rep. John Tierney), so it was only fair to ask Lowell's voice in Congress, U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, the same question: What are the biggest obstacles to bipartisanship?

The Lowell Sun

Updated:
01/30/2013 06:35:13 AM EST

* Tierney referred to it as "political ideology," while Tsongas' phrase for it was "philosophical differences."

The message is the same. Tsongas said she understands there are other members of Congress who don't see things the same way she does.

"It really depends on what you're coming at and where you're coming from," she said.

* Negativity inside Washington is indeed a popular perception, but the Republicans-versus-Democrats battle is not as simple as just an "us-versus-them" game.

Tsongas' own reflections indicate an acknowledgment that America, no matter how connected it may seem, still is composed of some very different parts and regions.

"There are differences and you see them," she said. "They're born of where we're from, forces that have shaped us along the way and the interests we represent."

* On a whole, the Lowell congresswoman's take on the hurdles to bipartisanship is a little more bright than Tierney's, who was quick Monday to single out the tea-party element in Congress as being the "tail wagging the dog right now."

Tsongas sees things differently. She noted that she's seen "the other side of the aisle, a good number, willing to come across to push forward things that are of a great benefit."

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